Match report from Canterbury loss

Exmouth 8 Canterbury 22

Exmouth dominated a game that really should have seen some form of league points return, but for all of their endeavour, could not turn pressure into points at a rain soaked Imperial Ground.

In an attritional first half , Canterbury kicked a little better than Exmouth , and the half back combination of Smart and Best shaded their Exmouth Counterparts when exiting and building the field. Exmouth's scrum was dominant throughout, but Canterbury excelled at defending the Exmouth line out, and crucially repelled a number of 5 metre line outs when Exmouth had all the momentum.

Exmouth tried running their way out of their defensive third at times with little reward. Canterbury showed their experience and edged the battle of the exit with scrum half Smart at the fore. It was his quick thinking from a tap penalty that put the visitors ahead, following an early penalty from home fly half, George Meadows.

The second half was very similar to the first with Exmouth in the ascendency , but wasted a number of line out opportunities. Canterbury were excellent at defending the driving maul and pressurised at the right times. With Exmouth on the front foot, and in the opposition 22 metre zone, a loose ball was kicked through by Canterbury And they won the foot race to the try line to create some distance between the two teams on the score board.

Exmouth won a scrum against the head and powered over the try line following a good carry from number 8 Dan Swain. Hooker Charlie Gibbings claiming the vital touch down.

That was the way it stayed until three minutes from time when Jon Murray scored to settle the contest.

A workmanlike Canterbury were efficient with ball and worked hard in defence. Exmouth were dominant and dominated the territory and possession stat, but had little to show come the final whistle.